I was listening to a podcast while on a walk one day and was shocked by what came up in the conversation. Gray hair can indicate copper deficiency. I started going to gray in my 20s. While I did go through some time of coloring it, I have since embraced my gray and love my hair. But I am also a little bothered that I missed an opportunity to clue in to a little message that my body was sending me, which was that I needed more copper. Copper: An Essential Trace Mineral “Copper is a mineral that is found throughout the body. It helps your body make red blood cells and keeps nerve cells and you ..read more

Our nervous system controls so much in our body. And a dysregulated nervous system refers to a malfunction or imbalance within the nervous system. A dysregulated nervous system can lead to muscle tension, trouble sleeping, digestive issues, depression, anxiety, chronic stress and so much more. The thing about the nervous system that fascinates me in the context of scoliosis is that the peripheral nervous system is along the spine and branches out to the many parts of the body. The question I can’t help but ask is: how does a curving spine impact a person’s nervous system? “The autonomic nerv ..read more

Muscle imbalances are a documented aspect of scoliosis, but really, most people do deal with muscle imbalance. I was at the gym yesterday working with my personal trainer and it was leg day. I enjoy leg days, I feel so much stronger overall when I strengthen the lower half of my body. But let me tell you what, I was SHOCKED at how wobbly I was on my right leg when I began one of the exercises in the circuit. It was borderline bizarre, because I only struggled on my right leg. My left leg was rock solid. And the thing is, the surprise isn’t so much that there was a very clear imbalance from on ..read more

Fall and WInter are THE BEST seasons for scoli girl fashion. Whether you are concealing a back brace or simply want to love what you see in the mirror, there’s nothing like feeling comfy and secure in our clothes. And I’m becoming more and more aware of how my day-to-day look impacts my confidence. This season I treated myself to this snuggle fest of a sweater and I have been obsessed with it. The short-torso-long-legs body type is a vibe when styled correctly, and that is exactly what I’m leaning into for this season of hibernation and rest. While I am exploring new brands on the clothing fr ..read more

It’s 2024. And it feels GOOD. There is something about a fresh start that brings with it the captivating energy of potential. A fresh start, however, can come with fresh expectations of ourselves. And expectation can be the enemy of joy. My hope is to not put too much pressure on the new year and allow it to surprise me with fun and kindness. I have spent way too many years overthinking what I can and can’t do because of my scoliosis and fear around my spinal fusion. And despite that fear, I have definitely made some mistakes and pushed myself too much. The bright side is these learnings help ..read more

As a multi-factorial condition, scoliosis often occurs during childhood or adolescence when the body is going through many changes simultaneously. Fortunately, research is uncovering a new way of understanding the scoliosis condition through the science of epigenetics. Different from the belief that our genes dictate our chance of sustaining chronic conditions at random, epigenetic changes can be influenced by various factors, including environmental exposures and lifestyle choices. Environmental factors, such as exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals or poor nutrition, can influence epig ..read more

When it comes to managing scoliosis, proper nutrition plays a crucial role in supporting your body’s unique needs. One dietary approach that has gained popularity in the wellness and natural healing community is the paleo diet. In this article, we will explore the principles of the paleo diet and how they can be beneficial for individuals with scoliosis. Let’s delve into what you need to know about the paleo diet, interesting facts, rules for beginners, and the pros and cons of this eating approach. What do you need to know about the paleo diet? The paleo diet, also known as the “caveman diet ..read more

When it comes to how I feel about yoga, I’ve noticed that I am hyper aware of having scoliosis when I go to a typical yoga class. As some of you may relate, I don’t like to feel different because of my scoliosis. The reality is that I am differently abled than other people since I have a spinal fusion and an ‘S’ curve. Fortunately I’ve found styles of yoga that allow me to connect deeply with myself and feel confident in my ability to modify poses during yoga class that work for me. Gaining awareness about my body through yoga and meditation has had numerous benefits for building awareness th ..read more

Mindfulness practices can provide significant benefits for managing scoliosis. In this post, we will explore the power of mindfulness in alleviating back tension, enhancing well-being, and fostering a deeper connection with your body. Can mindfulness help back pain? In my experience… YES. Mindfulness can be a valuable tool in becoming aware of pain in the body and bringing in much needed relaxation that can reduce tension from muscular imbalances accompanying a scoliosis. Mindfulness involves intentionally noticing the present moment, without judgment. By cultivating awareness of your body an ..read more

Though scoliosis is a condition characterized by a curvature of the spine, understanding our individual expression of the condition can present unique challenges. Beyond the physical aspects, it is important to recognize and address the impact scoliosis can have on mental health. In this post we will explore the relationship between scoliosis and emotional well-being, shedding light on how scoliosis can affect mental health and what can be done to promote positive mental well-being. Can scoliosis affect your mental health? Yes, scoliosis can have an impact on mental health. Dealing with a vis ..read more